But I told them, “Our leaders were stupid failures, because they refused to listen to the Lord. And so we've been scattered like sheep.

But you know, Lord, how faithful I've always been, even in my thoughts. So drag my enemies away and butcher them like sheep!

A Message of Hope

The Lord said:

You leaders of my people are like shepherds that kill and scatter the sheep.

The Leaders of Judah Will Be Punished

The Lord's people are his flock, and you leaders were the shepherds. But now it's your turn to be butchered like sheep. You'll shatter like fine pottery dropped on the floor. So roll on the ground, crying and mourning.

My people will come to Mount Zion and celebrate; their faces will glow because of my blessings. I'll give them grain, grapes, and olive oil, as well as sheep and cattle. Israel will be prosperous and grow like a garden with plenty of water.

I, the Lord, will attack you like a lion from the forest, attacking sheep in a meadow along the Jordan. In a moment the flock runs, and the land is empty. Who will I choose to attack you? I will do it myself! No one can force me to fight or chase me away.

His fearsome army will surround you, taking your tents and possessions, your sheep and camels.

My people, you are lost sheep abandoned in the mountains by their shepherds. You don't even remember your resting place.

Israel is a flock of sheep scattered by hungry lions. The king of Assyria first gobbled Israel up. Then Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylonia, crunched on Israel's bones.

But I will bring Israel back to its own land. The people will be like sheep eating their fill on Mount Carmel and in Bashan, in the hill country of Ephraim and in Gilead.

Babylonia, I will attack you like a lion from the forest, attacking sheep in a meadow along the Jordan. In a moment the flock runs, and the land is empty. Who will I choose to attack you? I will do it myself! No one can force me to fight or chase me away.

I will lead them away to die, like sheep, lambs, and goats being led to the butcher.